2 Filipino seafarers killed in Strait of Hormuz tanker attack

Two Filipino seafarers were killed in a security incident involving a Saudi Arabian oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz on August 31, 2026. The deaths were confirmed by the Saudi shipping company Bahri on Wednesday, September 2, following an attack on its vessel, the SIDR, as it attempted to transit the strategic waterway. The incident occurred at approximately 11:40 a.m. Philippine time on August 31. According to Bahri, the SIDR was struck by unknown projectiles, which caused a fire on board. The ship's crew, which included 16 Filipino seafarers, managed to contain the blaze. However, two of the Filipino crew members were killed. The vessel was subsequently grounded off the coast of Oman, where all the Filipino seafarers were disembarked. The 14 surviving crew members were reported unharmed. Philippine Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac confirmed the details in a press briefing on Wednesday evening. He stated that the ship was hit by "still unknown projectiles" as it was about to cross the strait. Cacdac added that the department is arranging for the repatriation of all the Filipino seafarers.